Attachment for zigzag sewing machines



Jan. 9, 1962 s. ADLER 3,016,030

ATTACHMENT FOR ZIGZAG SEWING MACHINES Filed Apnl 22, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet1 INVENTOR. sow/won ADL 5/? BYA ane pa/si gr J lfiinc.

ATTOPA/EKS Jan. 9, 1962 5. ADLER ATTACHMENT FOR ZIGZAG SEWING MACHINES 3Sheets-Sheet. 2

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Jan. 9, 1962 s. ADLER 3,016,030

A'r'rAcmEn-r FOR ZIGZAG SEWING MACHINES Filed Aprll 22, 1959 3Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTOR/VEVS United States Patent fire Patented Jan. 9,1962 3,016,030 ATTACHMENT FOR ZIGZAG SEWING MACHINES Solomon Adler,118-14 83rd Ave., Kew Gardens, N.Y. Filed Apr. 22, 1959, Ser. No.808,125 11 Claims. (Cl. 112-160) This invention relates to astructurally and functionally improved attachment for sewing machines,and especially machines of the zigzag-stitching type.

It is a primary object of the invention to furnish a mechanism whichwill function to produce a greater variety of ornamental stitches andstitches of greater width than those which otherwise could be producedby the machine of which the attachment forms a part,

A further object is that of providing a unit which may be embodied as apermanent part of a sewing machine mechanism. However, according to apreferred concept of the invention, that unit will be in the nature ofan attachment capable of ready association with or removal from themechanism of the sewing machine, at the election of the operator.

Regardless of whether the mechanism is a fixed part of the machine or isembraced in an attachment, that mechanism will permit the machine toproduce a straight line of stitching; it being unnecessary to dismountthe mechanism to secure this result.

Additionally, by the present teachings a structure is provided whichwill include relatively few parts, each simple and rugged inconstruction and operating over long periods of time with freedom fromall difficulties.

With these and other objects in mind, reference is had to the attachedsheets of drawings illustrating a practical embodiment of the invention,and in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of the lower head zone of asewing machine capable of producing a zigzag stitch and showing theattachment in association With the presser-foot bar and the needle barof that machine;

FIG. 2 is a sectional plan view taken along the line 2-2 in thedirection of the arrows as indicated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lower head zone of the sewingmachine as well as the adjacent zone of its bed and with the mechanismof the present invention coupled to that head;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the parts of that mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a somewhat schematic representation, subdivided into threegroupings, A, B and C, each showing in sectional plan and frontelevation, respectively, successive positions assumed by the mechanismof the attachment;

FIG. 6 is again a divided view into illustrations A and B, the first ofwhich shows a stitching result as conventionally effected by a givensewing machine of the zigzag type, while the section B shows theamplification of stitch width achieved by the present teachings;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 and showing the comparative resultsobtained where a different type of embroidery stitch is being created;and

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIGS. 6 and 7, but again showing in A and Bthe comparative results achieved by using the sewing machine without theattachment and with the same employed,

In the foregoing views and the following description, the mechanism willbe described as forming a part of a unit capable of ready associationwith or detachment from a sewing machine of the zigzag-stitch-producingtype. In

many respects it is preferred that the mechanism be so embodied in anattachment. However, it will be appreciated that if desired, themechanism might be included to in effect form a permanent part of asewing machine assembly. Therefore, the present description and drawingsare to be taken in an illustrative rather than in a limiting sense.

Thus, the numeral 20 identifies the head portion of a sewing machinecasing. From this head portion a presserfoot bar 14 extends downwardlyand in conventional manner may be shifted toward and away from the bedof the machine for properly guiding material 7 traversing that bed underthe influence of the feed dog (not shown), or else releasing thatmaterial. Also extending from the head is a needle bar 16. The lattermounts a needle 18 and is reciprocated to project and retract thatneedle. In addition, needle bar 16 is capable of lateral reciprocationto produce stitches of an ornamental or so-called zigzag type. A rotaryloop taker or shuttle (not shown) cooperative with the needle 18 and thethread carried thereby. Ordinarily, a presser foot will be attached tothe bar 14 by, for example, a clamping bolt or assembly 17. When anattachment involving the present teachings is associated with themachine, then the conventional presser foot will be removed therefrom,and by means of the clamping assembly or bolt 17, the instant attachmentwill be coupled to the presser bar 14.

While this invention is applicable to even the earliest types ofzigzag-stitch sewing machines, it is equally applicable to currentmodern and complex types. In all instances, it will increase or enlargethe stitch width, en abling the machine to produce a large variety ofstitch patterns. Current examples of zigzag-stitch sewing machines areto be found in the following United States patents: Gegau-f, 2,832,302,issued April 29, 1958, and entitled Sewing Machine, and Johnson,2,862,468, issued December 2, 1958, and entitled Ornamental StitchSewing Machines.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1 to 4, it will be seen that the attachmentconveniently includes a shaft 1 from the upper end of which a fork 2extends. From its opposite end, a crank 3 projects in a directionopposed to that of fork 2. This crank mounts at its free end a pin 13.Shaft 1 is rotatably supported within sleeve portion 4' forming a partof the main bracket 4. A cloth or materialengaging foot 5 is preferablyformed with upstanding flange or ear portions 5' adjacent its sideedges. The underface of this foot portion may be provided with ridges orgrooves 6 to assure a proper guiding cooperation with the material 7 asit traverses the bed surface.

An actuating plate 8, which may conveniently be of generally triangularconfiguration, is disposed below bracket 4. Adjacent its outer or freeedge, this plate is curved downwardly and has extending from it pins 9.The latter are receivable within the recesses or perforations formed inthe ears 5 of foot 5. This is achieved conveniently by springing theears slightly apart, or else by threading a shaft, such as 9, throughthe perforations of the ears and securing the shaft in position. In anyevent, it will be appreciated that the foot 5 is thus mounted forlimited rocking movement with respect to plate 8. At its rear or captiveend, plate 8 is conveniently furnished with an opening 8'. Through thelatter, the threaded stern of securing bolt 1ft may be projected. Thatstem is received within the correspondingly threaded recess 10' formedat the rear end of bracket 4. In this manner, plate 8 is mounted foroscillating or reciprocating movements in a horizontal plane and willcarry with it the foot part 5.

With a view to providing proper support adjacent the free end of theplate, the forward end of bracket 4 may :be defined by a downwardlyextending ledge or flange portion 11. The latter rides in contact withthe upper face of plate 8, thereby furnishing a proper bearing surface,so that stability of the parts will be assured. Bracket '4 may alsoconveniently be furnished with a notch portion 15. Within the latter aclamping unit, such as the bolt or screw 17, may extend for securingbracket 4 against movement with respect to the presser bar 14'. Plate 8is furnished with a slot 12. The latter is d1- mensioned to receive thepin 13 *afiixed to crank 3. As is obvious, the space between the arms offork Z is such that there may be slidably accommodated therein theneedle bar 16.

As afore brought out, if the device is constructed as an auxiliaryattachment, then the operator will cause a functioning of 'the sewingmachine in accordance with a proper selection of stitch patterns. Whenit is desired to enlarge the scope or width of the stitches providingthe embroidery, then the operator, by simply loosening the clampingdevice or bolt 17, will free the conventional presser foot fromassociation with bar 14. Thereupon, the present attachment may bemounted upon that bar by causing the shank of bolt 17 to pass throughnotch of bracket 4. Shaft 1 will be rotatably housed within sleeve 4.The proportioning of the parts will be such that the forked arm 2 willextend forwardly of bar 14 and have its arms slidably embracing needlebar 16. The latter, in addition to vertical reciprocation, willreciprocate laterally.

It will be understood that as needle bar 16 reciprocates vertically, itwill have no effect on the mechanism of the present unit, in that fork 2will simply remain stationary. However, when needle bar 16 moveslaterally, it will swing the crank furnished by arm 2, shaft 1 andportion 3 to cause pin 13 to oscillate. This pin, riding within slot 12,will swing plate 8 around the pivot defined by the bolt 10 or othermounting. Depending upon the ratio of length of arms or cranks 2 and 3,the zone at which pin 13 operatively connects with plate 8 or itsequivalent, and the length of the latter, together with the distance ofthe coupling between the crank and plate from the pivot zone of thelatter, greater or lesser movements will be imparted to the presser footin lateral directions. Of course, when bar 16 is not moving laterally,then no movement will be imparted in lateral directions to presser foot5 as the material 7 moves below the same under the influence of the feeddog.

The lateral movements on the part of the presser foot will be over agreater range and in opposition to the corresponding movements of theneedle bar 16. Thus, referring to FIG. 5A, it will be seen in the twoviews there present that bar 16 has shifted to the right-hand zone ofhead portion 20 of the casing. Such shifting has resulted in a rockingof arm 2 and a turning of shaft 1 to rock crank 3. Therefore, the pinand slot connection 1312 or its equivalent will have rocked plate 8 andshifted presser foot 5 in an opposed direction. As afore brought out,depending upon the relative lengths of the lever arms, the zones ofconnection, etc., virtually any degree of lateral movement may thus beimparted to plate 8. As bar 16 returns to an intermediate position,shown in FIG. 5B, the several parts will be brought into alignment.Under these circumstances, if no further lateral movement of bar 16occurs, simply straight stitching will result. If, on the other hand, asshown in FIG. 5C, bar 16 moves to the left, then through the crankstructure and plate, the presser foot 5 will be shifted to the right.

Thus, the shifting movements are always in opposition to the directionof the lateral movements of the needle bar. Accordingly, there is addedto the stitch width a length equal to the displacement of the needle barin a lateral direction, plus the distance of transverse or lateralmovement on the part of presser foot 5.

This has been illustrated in FIG. 6, in which drawing A representszigzag stitching to both sides of a center line, and such as would occurwere the mechanism of the attachment not embodied in the sewing machine.In B there has been somewhat diagrammatically illustrated the increasedwidth of stitching resulting from the use of the attachment. In FIG. 7Athere has been illustrated embroidery stitching solely to the left or" acenter line, as resulting from the conventional use of a standardmachine. In 78 the magnified width of stitching occurring as aconsequence of the use of the present mechanism is visualized. In FIG.8A, a sinuous line of stitching has been shown. A similar line has beenshown in FIG. 8B. However, in the latter instance the width of thestitches has been greatly increased or exaggerated. Obviously, byoperating the feed dog with sufficient speed, an open line of zigzagstitching 19 may result, as shown especially in FIG. 3.

Thus, among others, the several objects of the invention as specificallyaforenoted are achieved. Obviously, numerous changes in construction andrearrangements of the parts may be resorted to without departing fromthe spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

I claim: I

1. In combination, a sewing machine comprising a body, a needle barmounted by said body for both axial and lateral reciprocation withrespect thereto, means for engaging and guiding material, means formovably supporting said guiding means with respect to said body, meansconnecting said guiding means with said needle bar for laterallyshifting said guiding means in response to lateral reciprocation of saidbar and the range of shifting of the guide means elfected by theconnecting means being greater than the range of lateral bar movements.

2. In the combination as defined in claim 1, means for causing thelateral shifting of the guiding means to occur in directions opposed tothe lateral needle movements.

3. In the combination as defined in claim 1, a presser foot bar forminga part of said machine and said supporting means comprising a clampassembly movably connecting said guiding means with said presser footbar.

4. In the combination as defined in claim 1, said connecting meanscomprising a member straddling said needle bar and slidably engagedthereby.

5. In the combination as defined in claim 1, said material-guiding meanscomprising a presser foot, means for swingingly supporting said foot, arockingly mounted crank, means for connecting one end of said crank withsaid needle bar to move as said bar moves laterally and meansoperatively connecting the other crank end with said foot for swingingthe latter.

6. An attachment for a zigzag-type sewing machine having a reciprocaland laterally movable needle bar projecting beyond a housing structure,said attachment including in combination a support, a plate swinginglyconnected therewith and driving means coupled to said plate andoperatively connectible with a needle bar for causing a lateral swingingof said plate over a greater range in response to lateral movements ofsaid bar over a lesser range.

' 7. In an attachment as defined in claim 6, a presser fool connected tomove with said plate.

8. In an attachment as defined in claim 6, said plate being swinginglyconnected adjacent one of its ends to said support, said driving meanscomprising a crank having a body rotatably mounted by said support, anarm at one end of said crank body and operatively connectible to aneedle bar to respond to lateral movements thereof, and a further armalso connected to said crank body and connected with said plate to causea swinging of the latter.

9. An attachment for application to -a sewing machine of the zigzag typehaving a presser bar and a laterally oscillatable needle bar, saidattachment comprising a bracket for connection to the presser bar, afork pivotally mounted by said bracket, said fork being engageable bythe needle bar of the machine and oscillatable in a substantiallyhorizontal plane, a presser foot movably sup ported by said bracket andconnecting means between the presser foot and the fork for shifting thepresser foot in a direction opposed to the direction of lateral movementof a needle bar.

10. A stitch-width-enlarging attachment for application to azigzag-stitch sewing machine having a laterally reciprocable needle barand a substantially stationary presser bar, said attachment comprising abracket for connection to the presser bar, a vertical shaft rotatablysupported by said bracket, a fork secured to one end of said shaft, acrank secured to the other end of said shaft, a pin carried by saidcrank adjacent its free end, a presser foot assembly movably supportedby said bracket and being formed with a slot receiving said pin wherebysaid presser foot is shifted in a direction opposed to the direction oflateral movement of the needle bar cooperating with said fork.

11. An attachment for a sewing machine of the zigzagstitch type andwhich machine has a presser bar and a laterally oscillatable needle bar,said attachment comprising a bracket for connection to the presser bar,a fork pivotally mounted on said bracket and connectible to said needlebar to oscillate therewith in a substantially horizontal plane, a platepivotally mounted by said bracket, connecting means extending betweensaid plate and the fork for shifting the former in a direction opposedto the lateral movement of the latter and a presser foot pivotallysupported by said plate.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS858,176 Harris June 25, 1907 1,958,207 Scheibel et al. May 8, 19342,697,992 Johnson Dec. 28, 1954 2,944,497 Waterman July 12, 1960

